When our needs and wants are not met, this can make us feel stressed or upset. For example, working overtime and not getting paid can lead to frustration, or having a friend cancel on us for the third time can be hurtful. These negative emotions can add up over time and the messages we get from not getting our needs met can detrimentally affect our self-esteem. Therefore, in order to feel good about ourselves and to manage our stress levels, we need to draw the line when it is appropriate. If we stay quiet, this can lead to resentment. However, if we stray too far up the other end towards being aggressive, we risk offending and hurting others, and this can impact the quality of our relationships. While being assertive does not always guarantee we will be listened to, it increases the chances that we will get what we need and want.
